Bandar Seri Begawan: The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is set to conduct the second round of the Transmission Assessment Survey, known as TAS-2. This initiative is a component of the ongoing National Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program in Brunei Darussalam.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the implementation of TAS-2 follows a recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) and acts as a follow-up to the first round of the survey, which was completed in 2016. The survey will commence on 19 May 2025, in selected schools across the nation. Year 1 and Year 2 students will participate by providing small blood samples, which will be tested using the Brugia Rapid Test kit. Detection of positive cases would suggest that disease transmission may still be occurring within the community. Schools and students will be randomly selected using WHO-recommended statistical methods.
The Ministry of Health urges parents, guardians, and the public to support the survey for its smooth execution and success. With the collective support of all parties involved, Brunei Darussalam aims to achieve recognition from WHO as a country free from Lymphatic Filariasis, marking a significant milestone in the nation's public health efforts.
For further information, the public is encouraged to visit the official Ministry of Health website at 'moh.gov.bn' or follow mohbrunei on Instagram. Enquiries can be directed to Talian Darussalam at 123.